Cincinnati is just getting over the madness of Hamilton, but it’s already time to look ahead to the 2019-2020 season of touring Broadway musicals. Broadway in Cincinnati has a line-up of several new shows — three are still onstage in New York City — alongside some tried and true hits. Here’s the rundown, in chronological order. Note that subscribers get to choose between Jersey Boys and Escape to Margaritaville. Also, if you want to be sure of getting tickets to The Lion King or The Book of Mormon, you need to be a season subscriber.
Come From Away (Sept. 17-29, 2019) — On September 11, 2001, the world stopped — and hundreds of airline passengers were grounded in Gander, Newfoundland. The community opened its homes to accommodate people from around the world. This musical tells their story. This could be the best show of the season; the original production is still running on Broadway.
Jersey Boys (Oct. 15-20, 2019) — We’ve had the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons here before. Their harmonies were great onstage, but they weren’t so sweet behind the scenes. This production is an “either/or” choice for subscribers; with the other option being Escape to Margaritaville.
Mean Girls (Nov. 5-17, 2019) — Another show that’s still on Broadway, with a very funny book by Tina Fey. Based on the 2004 movie of the same name, it tells the story of nasty teens in suburban Illinois at odds with an innocent girl from the African savanna.
Hello, Dolly! (Dec. 3-15, 2019) — This is the touring version of a very popular revival of Jerry Herman’s hit about the legendary matchmaker who decides it’s time to get back into the game herself.
The Lion King (Jan. 8-Feb. 2, 2020) — It’s been a hit every time it’s come to Cincinnati, and this time around should mark another sold-out run. This production is not a season show, but tickets can be purchased by renewed and new season ticket holders.
Les Misérables (Feb. 11-23, 2020) — After a very well received Broadway revival that ran for two-and-a-half years, this production — a Cincinnati favorite for years — is back with new staging and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, who also wrote the 1862 novel this musical is based on.
Escape to Margaritaville (April 14-19, 2020) — Parrotheads, take notice. This show is stuffed full of your favorite Jimmy Buffett classics. It’s sure to be a rollicking evening of theater at the Aronoff. This production is the other “either/or” choice for subscribers; the other option is Jersey Boys.
Anastasia (May 12-24, 2020) — One more still-on-Broadway show, this musical is based on the beloved animated film. It’s from the creators of Ragtime (composer Stephen Ahrens, who graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and lyricist Lynn Ahrens). Set in the twilight of the Russian Empire and the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, it’s about a young woman pursuing the mystery of her past.
Jesus Christ Superstar (June 9-21, 2020) — Who hasn’t heard Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical from 1971? This new production originated in London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
The Book of Mormon (Aug. 4-9, 2020) — It’s rude and crude, and pretty over-the-top in the fun it pokes at a mismatched pair of missionaries. But it’s also one the most hilarious shows to appear on Broadway in this century. Tickets have been snapped up every time it’s come to town. Like The Lion King, this is not a season show; tickets can be purchased first by renewed and new season ticket holders.
For more info visit cincinnati.broadway.com